Dimitri Payet has gone on strike at West Ham as he pushes for a move away

“But dropping him from the squad galvanises the whole squad. Suddenly other players are stepping up and taking the game by the scruff of the neck.

“This is a team game and you can’t rely on just one individual.

“That result was massive for the club and the fans, but particularly for the players. They now believe they can go out and win convincingly without Payet in the team.”

Ince infamously was photographed wearing a Manchester United shirt before his move was confirmed.

It earned Ince dog’s abuse for years when he returned to West Ham. But the self-styled Guv’nor has always maintained he was badly advised as a 21-year-old kid at the time and had only done the picture because he was told to by his agent.

Ince said: “I can understand players wanting to go and better themselves, but I don’t accept the way that some players act when they manipulate a club or a manager.

“Payet could have made his feelings clear to Slaven Bilic in private. He could have continued to play to the top of his game for the good of the team, with the understanding that if the opportunity arose he would be allowed to look into leaving.

“But instead, he’s disrespected the manager, his team-mates, the club and the fans.”

Most Read in Football

'scumbags'

Christie appeals for help tracking down sick thieves who stole charity donations